Gyn Care 101: What to know about seeing a gynecologist
When should you see a gynecologist? The answer is simple in some ways, more complicated in others. If you're a woman or a person with female reproductive organs, experts recommend that you start seeing a gynecologist when you become sexually active, or at least once before the age of 21.
Good gyn care, as this type of health care is known, is important for many reasons. Depending on your needs and insurance plan, you may receive gyn care from a gynecologist, or a primary care provider (PCP) such as a doctor or nurse practitioner. Think of this post as Gyn Care 101. In it, I'll describe basic reasons for a gyn care visit and how to decide whether to see a gynecologist or PCP. I'll also explain what happens during a visit to a gynecologist, what to discuss, and how to be as comfortable as possible throughout the visit.
Common types of gyn care
Good reasons to see your health care team or a gynecologist for gyn care include:
a Pap smear to help prevent cervical cancer (this screening test checks cells on the cervix for abnormalities or precancer)
discussion of birth control options
solutions for painful, heavy, or irregular periods
changes in vaginal discharge, which could be a sign of a vaginal infection (for example, a yeast infection or bacterial vaginosis)
testing for sexually transmitted infections (STIs), such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, or trichomoniasis
symptoms of a urinary tract infection (UTI), such as burning when you urinate, cloudy or bloody urine, urinating more often than usual, or feeling an intense urge to urinate
pain or discomfort during sex
rashes, bumps, or irritation on the vulva (outside portion of the vagina)
perimenopause or menopause symptoms, such as irregular periods, hot flashes, or vaginal dryness.
Source: Health Harvard Edu
